81.  In practical terms, it means that Washington has committed itself not to recognize Taiwan as an independent state.

82.  In practice Bosnia would cease to exist as an independent state.

83.  Instead, the administration has sought to emphasize the prospects for a viable independent Bosnian state in federation with Croatia.

84.  It also marks the day Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has vowed to declare an independent state.

85.  Ireland, which has never fought in a war as an independent state, is debating whether it should remain officially neutral or join a European military alliance.

86.  Israel still occupies most of the West Bank, parts of Gaza and East Jerusalem, all of which Palestinians want for an independent state.

87.  It is instead praised for seeking to build an independent Croatian state and for its battle against communism.

88.  Iran shares its northern border of the Caspian Sea with the newly independent Central Asian states of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.

89.  Israel cannot be secure alongside a securely independent Palestinian state.

90.  Israeli officials want to see a Palestinian homeland in confederation with friendly Jordan to the east, while Palestinians say an independent state is their aim.